Bachelor of Social Welfare with Honours

Course summary

The Bachelor of Social Welfare with Honours is a separate fourth year of study that is undertaken following the successful completion of an undergraduate Social Welfare degree. In addition to the skills and knowledge that graduates have developed in their undergraduate degree, the Honours degree is highly regarded in providing advanced intellectual education in research, analysis and writing. It signifies a demonstrable ability in conducting research in Social Welfare. As well as a completion point for tertiary study itself, Honours also represents the starting point for entry into postgraduate and academic research.

The Honours degree includes a unit in research methodology and management that assists students to conduct a significant research project on a topic of their interest. Generally this research project will be documented in a written thesis. An Honours Supervisor will assist students at each stage of their project.

Prior to lodging an application, interested applicants must contact the University to discuss their eligibility and to find a suitable honours supervisor for their proposed honours topic. For more information refer to the School of Arts and Social Sciences Honours information

Learning outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Graduate Attribute

Course Learning Outcome

Intellectual rigour

Demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in social welfare research.

Demonstrate skills in reviewing, analysing, and synthesising social scientific knowledge.

Demonstrate initiative and critical judgement in social scientific scholarship.

Creativity

*Exercise independence in identifying and formulating solutions to complex intellectual, professional and social challenges.

Ethical practice

Practice ethical enquiry and communication.

Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate a broad understanding of a body of social welfare knowledge with advanced
understanding in at least one area.

Demonstrate coherent and advanced knowledge of social welfare principles, methods, and concepts and the ability to apply them when researching a social problem.

Lifelong learning

Exercise autonomy in one's learning and responsibility in one's social welfare research practice.

Identify and reflect critically upon the knowledge and skills developed in the student's own study of
social science.

Communication and social skills

Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of
social welfare knowledge and the capacity to disseminate findings in diverse contexts.

Create a social welfare thesis/research project that demonstrates research and design skills, critical thinking, and judgement in developing new understanding.

Cultural competence

Practice inclusive enquiry and communication.

Career opportunities

A key aim of the Honours degree is to provide graduates with research training and a range of lifelong learning skills. These skills have vocational relevance that varies depending on the professional field graduates wish to enter.

Adding Honours to an undergraduate degree is a useful qualification for:

Graduates to gain an edge for employment in vocational positions as Honours demonstrates their ability to successfully design and complete a significant research project;

Gaining entry into graduate programs, for example with the public service; and

Honours is the best pathway for those wishing to undertake a PhD, which is generally required for an academic or research-oriented career.

Related links

Learning Resources

MySCU is a student's point of entry to a range of online services and resources that support study and student life. The portal includes unit learning sites and information sites where students can access resources, communication tools and useful links that are integral to their studies.

The web-based study environment Blackboard Learn delivers an advanced online learning environment for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces, classrooms, and discussion boards. They can share files, presentations and applications. If a tutorial or lecture is recorded, students can view it afterwards.

Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed text books.

The SCU Library provides a wide range of services that include face-to-face and online help, and access to print and electronic resources.

The Academic Skills team supports student learning by offering online and on-campus academic skills workshops, assignment reviews and small group or one-on-one face-to-face, phone or Skype consultations during business hours 9am to 4.30pm. Appointments can be made via the MySCU Hub 'Connect Now' button or on the Academic Skills home page. Students can also book appointments online in Career Hub.

The Studiosity service provides online after-hours study support for SCU students. This service is available from 4pm to midnight Sunday to Friday via the 'Connect Now' button on MySCU Hub or from a link in nominated unit learning sites. The Studiosity service offers generic writing feedback and live online chat assistance for foundational concepts and study skills.

International future students

Current students

Southern Cross University acknowledges and pays respect to the ancestors, Elders and descendants of the Lands upon which we meet and study.We are mindful that within and without the concrete and steel of buildings these Lands always were and always will be Aboriginal Land.